Schools open, but fear remains

It is certainly one of thebiggest headaches
caused by the Covid 19 virus. The decision to shut the school was taken because
it was literally a matter of life and death. Classes were conducted online and
there were attendant issues of connectivity that ensued but on the whole it was
ok. But the question of reopening the school and colleges was one that
generated much comment for and against in the digital space. Now the government
has allowed the reopening of the tenth and twelfth standard albeit with the
Covid 19 safety protocols in place. That however has not generated much
response from parents with many preferring to keep their children at home and
continuing with the online classes. Vivek Borkar who has
children now in the tenth standard felt it was not advisable to reopen schools
till December end because the beginning of 2nd wave in some parts of the
country would affect Goa because tourists were moving around freely. He said
“Students are studying online for the last few months and I believe it will not
be a problem if they continue to study online. We cannot take risks and I am
not willing to play with the lives of my children.” Alpa Shah another parent in Porvorim who
has a daughter in college however had another view point. She said “My daughter
has chosen Chemistry and she is in the final year of graduation (St. Xavier’s
College, Mapusa). I understand that it is important for them to go to college
as gaining practical knowledge will not be possible without the laboratory and
their professors. Our humble request is to the educational institution to take
all precautionary measures to maintain social distancing by having classes in small
batches, have sanitation done regularly and the laboratory equipments be
sterilised after use of children”. She however maintained that both parties had
to be responsible. Shah said it was important for the children to follow all
safety measures for their own safety and the safety of their parents, aged
grandparents and young siblings who would be exposed with their travelling. Altaf Sheikh a businessman who has nephews
in a senior class felt it was not a wise move to start schools. He said “Delhi
has seen a spike in cases and the situation in Mumbai is worrying, it is
important we remain at guard till we don’t have a vaccine. Let us not get complacent; it is important
at this point that we remain alert as we cannot afford to lose more lives” Alisha Fernandes a student in a local
college said she was quite keen returning to college but her parents were dead
against the idea. She said “I have not met my friends in months. Thanks to
technology we can face time but meeting them in person is different. I am
attending classes online because I am in the commerce stream. My friends in the
science stream have to go to the college because of practicals. I suppose it
will settle down once the vaccine comes. Till then there will be fear”. Arif Sheikh a professional photographer
said he had cousins in the final year in school as well as in college. He said
“The school has given them the option to either come to school or continue with
online classes and the parents have decided to err on the side of safety. One
of them is in the science stream and has to attend practicals and the parents
ensure she follows all the protocols. I don’t agree with the decision of the
government but then I suppose it will depend on the individual to follow the
protocols and ensure their own safety” Re-opening schools will always remain an emotive issue till a
vaccine is found and it will have to depend on the individual to ensure that
they maintain their safety